Name-Brand Products That are Worth it

[Tim]

Blue 7-Day Masking Tape: Scotch Brand by 3M

The difference in quality and usability between the real 3M blue masking tape and the "store brand" (Ace, in this case) is startling and palpible.

The 3M tape has a more matte finish to the top of the tape that allows the tape to stick to itself better--key when overlapping layers and the like. The Ace brand tape is slick and shiny, and sticks very poorly to itself.

The 3M tape has a far superior adhesive on the back that sticks better in the first place. The Ace brand seems barely tacky on the back, though it does work.

The 3M tape is heavier paper, and lays down more smoothly and easily, including around curves and over more difficult shapes. The Ace brand is very thin and almost brittle, and is not as capable of being pulled away and reset.

When faced with two choices for blue tape side-by-side in the store, stick (no pun intended) with the 3M tape.